subject: Cb Radio Equipment: What Do I Need To Get Started? [print this page] If you've started to make long journeys or you are traveling to unfamiliar places, there's no doubt that you'll find CB radio useful. The good news is that it is really easy to get started, the equipment is not expensive, you don't need a license and there are no usage fees.
Your first choice is the type of equipment to use. For use in a vehicle there are three choices. Mobile cb radio equipment which has been mounted in the vehicle, removable CB radio equipment which takes it's power form the vehicle cigarette lighter and handheld CB radio which can also be used on battery power outside the vehicle.
When buying any of the above check the CB accessories included for the best deal. Most units will include mounting brackets and screws, some may even include an antenna.
A useful addition which is included with a number of mobile CB radios is the weather service. You'll be sure to receive warning of severe floods, storms or other emergencies. This proved invaluable to some in recent floods which affected a campsite well outside any cellphone reception area, and once again there is no fee for the service.
The typical CB antenna has a magnetic mount and most will handle a power output far greater than your CB radio equipment will provide since it is limited to 4W.
This is useful should you decide to upgrade, for example to a 10 meter radio which does not have the same power limitation. Although a magnetic mount doesn't sound very secure, they are, most can withstand up to 70 mph winds.
CB radio is designed for local broadcast only, however the best CB antennas can help your signal 'get out' as far as possible, most will require some 'tuning' to be at their best, but instructions should be included.
If you do decide to get your amateur radio license (now much easier since Morse code is no longer a requirement) you'll find that most ten meter radio equipment can be modified to work on the Citizens Band and you'll be glad you chose an antenna which could handle the extra power.
So once you have your CB radio equipment and your antenna - what next?
Next you need a handle -a name to use on the air - and the good thing is you can decide on your own, it's not assigned like a call sign.
CB has a reputation for being filled with jargon, slang and 10 codes and to some extent this is true. Emergency services are making an effort to reduce their need for 10 codes, but they are still part of the CB world.
Look them up and print a list to keep beside you at the start, sometimes the '10' part of the code will be included '10-4' and sometimes it will be left out 'What's your home 20'but the most important thing to do is listen. Most areas will have a 'breaking' channel where conversations are started before moving to another so the 'breaking channel is free for someone else.
Listen to other conversations and when you feel confident, join in.
